Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Indonesian Second Lady Selvi Ananda called on parents and relevant stakeholders to help strengthen character education for children during the main event marking the 42nd National Children’s Day (HAN) on Thursday.“Character education serves as the principal foundation for shaping golden generations for Indonesia in the future,” she remarked at Tugu Sirih Square in Tanjungpinang City, Riau Islands Province.

Selvi emphasized the importance of initiating character education as early as possible through proper parenting, urging active roles from families, schools, and communities.

The second lady argued that guiding children to nurture good traits and qualities is as crucial as pursuing academic excellence.

“Character education is the foundation of everything. Children will find their smartness and success meaningless in the absence of ethics and good character,” she affirmed.

Bearing that in mind, Selvi stressed that instilling positive values and qualities in children requires collaboration among parents, teachers, and surrounding communities.

Apart from character education, she drew attention to the urgency of shielding children from various forms of violence, exploitation, and bullying, in line with the theme of the 2026 HAN, “Love Children and Protect and Build the Future.”

“We must protect children from violence and exploitation, both in the real world and the digital space,” said the spouse of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

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Furthermore, she called on all elements of society to continue working hand in hand to create safe and comfortable spaces for children across the country, enabling them to grow into quality individuals capable of advancing the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

Selvi made the statement in her capacity as chair of Seruni, a women's solidarity organization formed by the spouses of Red and White Cabinet members.

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During the event, she joined Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi in observing children engaged in a variety of traditional games while campaigning for a national movement that aims to revive traditional games and reduce children’s screen time.

(NOTE) Paragraf penutup merujuk pada laman-laman berikut:

https://www.antaranews.com/foto/5662583/han-2026-gaungkan-gerakan-main-raya-anak-nusantara
https://www.kemendikdasmen.go.id/siaran-pers/15794-hari-anak-nasional-2026-kemendikdasmen-ajak-anak-kembali-ber